San Mu Bu Pm GBM 3 Pc 13Evasive Speech

SUTTA ON EVASIVE SPEECH (AÑÑAVĀDAKA PĀṬIMOKKHA)

Background

The Aññavādaka Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, among the Pāṭimokkha regulations, the basic rules bhikkhus must observe. This context is recorded in the traditional Vinaya texts, where the Buddha established disciplinary rules to protect the diligence of the Sangha and maintain the purity of Buddhism.

In particular, this rule concerns conduct involving “evasive” or “roundabout speech,” that is, words that are not straightforward, or deliberate avoidance of a direct question. In the context of monastic practice, such speech is a sign of lack of honesty, lack of faith in the teaching, or an attempt to conceal a fault. The Buddha emphasized that, within the Sangha, every member must be clear, straightforward, and without deceit.

Main Content

The Aññavādaka rule deals with the case of a bhikkhu who is questioned about a violation or about observance of the discipline, but instead of answering directly, uses roundabout, evasive, or dodging speech. For example, when asked, “Did the venerable one do this?” the person does not answer clearly, but says, “Why do you ask that?” or “Who says I did that?” or similar words to avoid confirming or denying.

In the Theravāda tradition, this conduct is regarded as a Saṅghādisesa offense, an offense requiring resolution by the Sangha, or as a Pāṭimokkha offense, depending on its seriousness. The reason is that it violates the standard of truthfulness (sacca) and undermines trust in the monastic community. The Buddha wanted his disciples to be straightforward people, willing either to acknowledge their faults or to defend their innocence directly, without evasion.

Practical Meaning

This rule is not only for bhikkhus, but also carries a profound lesson for all who practice Buddhism. Truthfulness (sacca) is one of the most basic values.